Mobile Technology News

By Tim Conneally, Betanews

Mobile network operator T-Mobile today announced that the first smartphone capable of fully utilizing the company’s HSPA+ network upgrade will be called the G2. Unfortunately, there were few details about the device, and the site announcing the G2 is currently unavailable.

By Tim Conneally, Betanews

Today, Google sealed the fate of its former flagship Android device, the HTC Nexus One, by announcing that the smartphone will no longer be available online from the search company’s own site.

This announcement finalizes Google’s plan to shut down its Web-based smartphone store after it failed to live up to expectations. Customer support will still be available in the U.S., and the device will continue to be available to Android developers. Additionally, the Nexus One will be sold through carrier partners in Europe, Asia, “and possibly others based on local market conditions.”

By Tim Conneally, Betanews

Shortly after announcing its second Android device, the HTC Aria, AT&T today announced its third: The Samsung Captivate.

Samsung says the Captivate is “a Galaxy S smartphone,” meaning it’s very similar to the phone we got to try out at CTIA that is expected to come to T-Mobile later this year.

Specs:

• 1GHz Cortex A8 Samsung Hummingbird application processor
• Android 2.1
• Super AMOLED 4″ touchscreen display

By Jacqueline Emigh, Betanews

New York, New York U.S.A. After dropping wide hints over the past few weeks about “Web printer” plans, HP started to get a lot more specific today with the launch of three new smartphone-enabled printers. Some questions still remain unanswered, though, including exactly when the WebOS mobile operating system of HP’s newly acquired Palm will come into play.

HP actually rolled out its first Internet-enabled printer about a year ago, noted Vyomesh Joshi, speaking at an HP launch event today that also kicked off New York Internet Week.

By Joe Wilcox, Betanews

Yesterday, I was talking with The Loop’s Jim Dalrymple about AT&T’s data-capped plans. Like other long-time iPhone users, he didn’t seem too concerned after looking at his data usage. I gave him three reasons why AT&T changed to capped plans, to which he asked: “So did you write about that?” No. I had written a long post about AT&T’s timing tactics but nothing really that succinctly explained why. So here I’ll give five reasons why AT&T changed the data plans.

By Scott M. Fulton, III, Betanews

In a cautiously worded notice to customers this afternoon, AT&T advised that it will be raising its early termination fee (ETF) for wireless service for smartphones and netbooks, evidently including Apple’s iPhone. Beginning June 1, the base rate for ETFs from two-year service agreements will be raised from 5 minus per month of tenure, to 5 minus per month.

By Tim Conneally, Betanews

Starting tomorrow (May 6th,) Microsoft’s new KIN phones will be available through Verizon Wireless’ website, and in stores on May 13th. The first two devices, logically named KIN one and KIN two, are geared toward the always-connected individual interested in social networking and sharing. Their feature sets fall somewhere between feature phone and smartphone, but the user experience is completely new.

By Tim Conneally, Betanews

Shazam is a brilliant application. If you want to identify a piece of music that is playing, all you have to do is hold up your smartphone, and the Shazam app will tell you what it is based on its “audio fingerprint.” It’s simple to use, handy to have, and available on most mobile platforms. Though the idea behind Shazam wasn’t exactly new, it arrived when the app store craze took off, and has since climbed to impressive heights.

By Tim Conneally, Betanews

Yesterday, an updated version of Google’s Nexus One Android smartphone was released, compatible with AT&T and Rogers Canada’s 3G networks. Today, Sprint is letting everyone know that it is getting the device too.

This means that all four major wireless carriers have secured a spot for the Nexus One this year. Google sells versions of the device optimized for T-Mobile and AT&T’s wireless networks, and a version for Verizon’s network is still expected some time in the Spring, but the operator has not put out any further notices about its availability.

A few weeks back, I reported that Mattel was holding open votes to decide Barbie’s 126th career. Among the choices were News Anchor, Architect, and Computer Engineer. I’m happy to announce that the people have spoken and we now have Computer Engineer Barbie.